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The Bounce behind Drake’s Nice for What

Akilah Dia-Amadi
Apr 14, 2018
3 min read

Drake dropped Nice for What last week, a single dedicated to hardworking women who own the right to hold their heads high. The star studded video features talented women from Tracy Elis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Tiffany Haddish, Letitia Wright, Zoe Zaldana and more. While the video showcased talent on screen there was even more talent embedded in the tracks. We all recognize the sample of Ex-Factor by Lauryn Hill but what about the intense beat the song was mastered with? That beat is the original New Orleans’ Bounce sound. Drake called on 5th Ward Weebie and team to ensure New Orleans was represented proper on this Bounce Beat record.

We have been hearing Bounce for decades whether we know it or not. The Bounce Beat is described as a high energy music or that Triggaman Beat that makes you want to shake something. In fact, Twerking made famous by Miley Cyrus, was already a wave in the New Orleans' Bounce culture. Before Twerking got its name New Orleans natives called it P-Popping.

If you are still not sure what the Bounce sound is, think back to Juvenile with hits like Back that Azz Up or Choppa featuring Master P in Choppa Style. According to 5th Ward Weebie, Juvinelle and the Cash Money label was the first to give Bounce national exposure however they didn’t call it what it was. He explains, “Juvenile was the first to make Bounce national but they didn’t give credit back to New Orleans. I was the first artist to put Bounce on the National platform with Master P.”

5th Ward Weebie is one of New Orleans’ finest Bounce artists and producers who as is all but new to this music game. Since 1998, he has been working with greats such as Master P, Kane and Abel, Mystikal and imprinted on hits such as Rock It, Ooo Wee and Show that Work. It’s no wonder Drake knocked on his door to give Nice for What that authentic New Orleans Bounce sound.

For those who accuse Drake as being a Culture Vulture, 5th Ward Weebie speaks out:

“Drake has tapped into New Orleans culture before. I really believe he wants to give New Orleans its proper justice. He wants New Orleans to have their real moment because people take from New Orleans and never put us on; never give us credit”.

“I can only speak on the present and what’s going on. Our business is straight. If he was a Culture Vulture our lawyers wouldn’t be involved talking about fair business. I’ve seen people do some culture vulture sh** take your [work] and don’t give a f***”

“Drake reached out and literally said he wants the real authentic sound. He just needed us to get it right. He takes his music to that level and wants the real deal. That was moment for us. That’s all we could ask for.

If you liked the first version of Nice for What, make sure to look out for the Nice for What remix by BlaqNMild and 5th Ward Weebie in the All Twerk No Play mixtape . The remix is sure to take it to the next level of Bounce. Also, be on the lookout for 5th Ward Weebie’s upcoming single Real Booty Meat and record Let Me Find Out Part II featuring Snoop Dog and Juvenile. As far as future collaborations, 5th Ward Weebie has his sights on Jay-Z and any other artist that takes their work as serious as Drake does.